Packaging Device

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a packaging device for transporting and/or storing items that can be disposed in the inside space thereof, comprising an outer shell ( 1 ) with at least one sturdy bottom wall ( 2 ) for arranging the items to be transported and/or stored. The invention further comprises walls surrounding the items ( 20 ) at least partially, wherein some of the further walls ( 3, 5, 6 ) are flexible walls ( 3, 6 ) and provided with an additional shell ( 10 ), reinforcing the inside surfaces of the outer shell at least partially in the state of the packaging device in which it is prepared for transport and/or storage, and thus substantially shaping it. The additional shell ( 10 ) is inflatable and is used for securely surrounding the items disposed in the inside space of the packaging device.

The present invention concerns a packaging device for the transportand/or the storage of stackable objects within its interior, in accordwith the concept of claim 1. A typical packaging device has beendisclosed by DE 41 23 558 C1.

Besides the transport and storage of unattached, single objects,shipping and inventory operations include objects mounted on skids orpallets. In these instances, important elements are rigid bottoms, uponwhich are placed the objects (also to be understood hereafter as“object”) to be positionally affixed and stacked for transport.Especially in the case of predetermined standard dimensioning, suchbottomed pallets are known as “Europallets”. Objects arranged upon aEuropallet generally lack protection from impinging lateral or downwardforces. The result of this is that the so shipped objects must haveseparate, individual packaging. Known protective measures for transportincludes cartons or wood framings, which are provided with rigid sideand top reinforcements to protect the shipped goods. Likewise, it ispossible that a Europallet can have rollers on the bottom and be made ofopen, lattice-like wood framing. Such moveable enclosures can be knownas mobile cages, often provided with top openings.

Frequently objects are shipped from one location to another and theironly protection is that they are first mounted on and affixed within theEuropallet, but are then tightly clamped against other skidded loads,heavy boxboard cartons and the like, which serve as sidewalls and soprotect the objects during the time of shipping from external damagingaction.

If, after the insertion of the objects to be shipped and the sidewallsof the pallet close, voids form within the packaging, then the socreated empty space can be packed with Styropor-fillers (expandablepolystyrene) or equivalent space-occupying substances. The shippedobjects are so protected in a manner disclosed in EP 0 317 130 B1, WO94/18091, DE 42 00 557 C1 or DE 90 01 604 U1. Many of these abovedescribed packaging devices do not possess a solid bottom, but can showat least one principle of transport of objects on pallets through longdistances. Packaging devices of this type, unfortunately, have thedisadvantage that the sidewall structure surrounding the shipped objectis rigid.

The above described packaging devices have, in common, the disadvantage,that they are built up from a substantial bottom and the connected sidewalls surrounding the shipped objects are also rigid. Following thedelivery of the shipped objects, if the packaging devices made in thismanner are to be returned in empty form, their stiff construction intruck, ship or airplane causes empty space which serves no usefulpurpose other than their own transport. For this reason, handling andmanipulation of such packaging devices in empty return transport bringsabout a very expensive cost which has no positive results.

DE 20 2005 00885-U1 discloses a self supported, inflatable textilecontainer, into which are sewed air compartments or air bags. Thistextile container is intended to carry bulk material. So that thecontainer can maintain itself in an upright position, inflatable airpads or a sealed tubing system of rubber or the like has been sewn tothe fabric of the container. The walls of textile containers of thisdescription are universally flexible and on this account are not optimalfor the carrying or storage of stackable objects on plattens.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,587,794-A made known a collapsible packaging device,wherein two end walls and possibly an upper wall are supplied withintegrated air cushions. GB 23 11 512 describes air cushions on a bottomof a packaging device, which made the enclosure adaptable as a laptopcarrier. DE 40 34 038 A1 discloses a packaging device, wherein thesurfaces thereof consist of fabric and in its corners it possessinflatable looped reinforcement elements, which strengthen the enclosurestructure. EP 11 38 613 A1 discloses a packaging device, in which innerwalls can be inflated.

The Purpose of the Invention

The purpose of the present invention is to make available a packagingdevice for transport and/or storage of stackable objects containedwithin its interior space, which device possesses a rugged bottom tosupport the arrangement of the objects. This purpose is further extendedto avoid the above stated disadvantages.

This purpose is achieved by a generic packaging device having thecharacterized features of claim 1.

The Invented Packaging Device

As a component of the invented packaging device, an inflatable,auxiliary shell can be either an integral part of an outside wall or bea separate element of the device. That is to say, the auxiliary shell isan inflatable encapsulation within the outer wall. In accord with theinvention, this auxiliary shell performs its inner function bycontacting the shipped objects, which are stacked on the rigid bottom.This auxiliary shell determines, first, the shape of the outer wall,which provides protection in transport or storage. Secondly, theauxiliary shell positionally affixes the shipped objects arranged on thebottom inside the outer wall. In accord with the invention everytechnical possibility is exercised to assure that the inflation iscompleted as desired. In other words, an inflation of the auxiliaryshell need not be limited to injecting compressed air or other gases,but can also include input of a liquid or solid medium.

The flexible wall sections, which have been attached to the inventedbottom—advantageously attached in Europallet style—take on their finalshape only when they are subjected to the expansion of the inflatingauxiliary shell. That is to say, the shape of the flexible outer wallcan adapt to any internally applied force. Particularly appropriate forthe flexible outer wall sections would be a fabric material orespecially a flexible plastic substance. Other materials of equivalentcharacteristics can also be employed.

The invented packaging device possesses an upper, arrangement foropening. This is necessary, since the invented auxiliary shell, incombination with the outer flexible wall, defines the final, overall,shape of the packaging device. An upper opening for the inventedpackaging device is especially advantageous. In combination therewith,sections of the outer wall run along the edge of the solid bottom andare firmly attached thereto possibly by stapling.

As a general rule of operation, it is well to avoid accumulating aresiduum of packing materials in the invented packaging device. Suchwaste material would reduce the ability of the packaging device to berecycled through many shipments.

A gain in advantage can be achieved, if by means of affixing the objectsin the interior of the invented packaging device, the formerly widelyused, individual packaging of the objects to be shipped can be reducedor completely abandoned.

Advantageously, one of the wall sections of the outer wall of theinvented packaging device can be made releasable from one or more of theimmediately adjoining wall sections. In this way, the interior volume ofthe device is made accessible for loading and/or unloading shippedobjects on or off the substantial bottom. To improve this advantage,quick closure elements have been attached to the said releasable wallsection. These quick closure elements lock into complementary receivers,which are secured on the non-releasable adjoining wall sections. Therapid closure elements assure quick accessibility.

The flexible wall sections of the outer wall are particularlyadvantageous in their reinforced vertically running edges and/or insupporting diagonal strips therebetween. Such reinforcements, whensubjected to the inflation of the auxiliary shell, act to shape theouter wall into a predetermined shape, which is possibly cubical, sothat the auxiliary shell need not unconditionally regulate, or may onlypartially determine, the final shape of the invented packaging device.

As has already been mentioned above, it is possible that the inventedauxiliary shell can be, first, a component of the inner surface of theouter wall, and second, may be a separate component. If the auxiliaryshell is a separate entity, then it would be advantageous if it is sizedto be greater in extent than the inner dimensions of the outer wall. Ifit is so dimensioned, then the inner volume of the outer wall would benecessarily completely occupied by an inflated auxiliary shell and wouldthen assume a proper outward shape. Simultaneously, the inflatedauxiliary shell takes over the positional securement of the objectswithin the packaging device. Obviously, additionally added, knownsecurement means are allowable on the bottom or on other immovable wallsections, by means of which further positional securement of the objectsto be shipped or stored becomes available.

The auxiliary shell can advantageously be a conventional film tube,shaped in accord with need. Such a film tube can easily be made, so thatit would be adaptable to one-time applications. In the case of aparticularly favorable version the film tube, which comprises theauxiliary shell, can have a varied wall thickness

The pressure generated in the film tube during inflation distributesitself equally toward the outer wall. However, if a film tube isprovided with different wall thicknesses, then, inventively, a firstforce can be brought against the inner surface of the outer wall and adifferent force can be applied against the loaded objects and bothforces can be optionally predetermined. The meaning of this is that,because of an installation of the film tube having a thicker walldirected against the inner surface of the outer wall, and a thinner walldirected against the objects being transported, the movement by the filmtube toward the said objects is relatively large. Nevertheless, in thisplacement, the positional fixation of the objects in transport is stillcarried out. The reason for this is, that the walls of the film tubeexpand more in the direction of the shipped objects than in thedirection of the inside surface of the outer wall.

In the case of another favorable version of the auxiliary shell, a filmtube is provided, wherein the inner wall of said tube which is proximalto the shipped objects is greater in thickness than is its wall whichconfronts the inner surface of the outer wall. Accordingly, uponinflation, the film tube expands in greater measure toward the objectsthan it expands outward and thus the objects to be shipped are morestrongly affixed in place.

An advantageous version of an auxiliary shell, wherein it is equippedwith a multiplicity of air cells, is that upon inflation thereof, theexpanding shape of the outer wall of the packaging device can beregulated. Particularly well designed air cells, wherein successivecells have greater and lesser predetermined volumes and/or are providedwith cross-ties therebetween, which additionally improve the workingspace of the final packaging device.

If, as has been mentioned above, the auxiliary shell is not an integralpart of the outer wall, but alternately, is separate therefrom, then theauxiliary shell advantageously possesses quick fasteners, preferably onits wall facing the outer wall of the packaging device. These fastenersallow the auxiliary shell to be secured to the inner surface of theouter wall. After inflation, this fastening contributes to the fact thatthe internal shape of the auxiliary shell influences the shape of theouter wall, which accordingly leads to the final shaping of the entirepackaging device.

In detail, the arrangement of this said fastening means for securing theauxiliary shell to the inside surface of the outer wall simplifies thehandling of the invented packaging device for the respective operator.The operator is no longer required to be concerned about a problem ofachieving an optimized arrangement of the auxiliary shell in relation tothe outer wall.

In regard to the inflation of the auxiliary shell within the outer wall,in accord with the invention, the said shell possesses an inlet/outletconnection. This connection is so provided as a part of the auxiliaryshell, that when the packaging is in its final stages, it is readilyaccessible from the outside. That is, the connector extends itself tothe outside of the now enclosed packaging device. Accordingly, toinflate the auxiliary shell, an operator can easily join the saidconnector to a source of the desired inflating medium, for example, air.

As has already been indicated, it is possible to open one wall sectionof the loaded packaging device. The auxiliary shell in the interior ofthe outer wall, then contacts only the non-openable outer wall sections.This arrangement allows the openable wall section of the packagingdevice to have improved accessibility in reaching the therein placedobjects to be shipped. The outer wall, however, can be so designed, thatit—in the case of a separate auxiliary shell—can have its openingcoinciding with the opening in the auxiliary shell. The auxiliary shell,for the purpose of the removal of the loaded objects from the interiorof the packaging device, can be deactivated by release of air bypenetration. Alternately, the auxiliary shell can be provided with ameans by which it can be deflated after the transport has beencompleted.

As another advantage, a particularly favorable design of the packagingdevice places on the outer wall quick closure elements with theircomplementary receivers. Proximal to these said quick closureelements/receivers, the advantageous design offers a duplicate set ofsuch closures. These duplicate closure elements/receivers serve such apurpose, that in a case of an individual transport of an empty packagingdevice, these duplicate closures, are so provided with interlocks, thatthe packaging device cannot unfold itself. Space is thereby saved forthe return shipment of empty packaging devices.

The invention also concerns the use of a packaging device for both thetransport or the storage of objects.

AMPLIFIED DESCRIPTION WITH AID OF DRAWINGS

Examples of versions of the invention are described in greater detail inthe following with the aid of drawings. There is shown in:

FIG. 1 a perspective view of the invented packaging device in its openstate,

FIG. 2 a perspective view of an invented, separate auxiliary shell,

FIG. 3 in perspective, an alternate version of the invented auxiliaryshell,

FIG. 4 in perspective, another version of the invented auxiliary shell,

FIG. 5 in perspective view, a totally opened, outer walled, packagingdevice with packed objects arranged for transport and/or storage,

FIG. 6 a perspective view of an invented packaging device in the openstate,

FIG. 7 a perspective view of an invented packaging device in the closedstate, and in

FIG. 8 a perspective view of a collapsed, invented packaging deviceprepared for empty shipment.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the invented outer wall 1. This outerwall is comprised of a solid bottom 2, for which a pallet serves, withspecified dimensions. At each of the three edges of the solid bottom 2are firmly attached three flexible wall sections 3, running in avertical direction. These wall sections 3 advantageously consist, forexample, of a plastic or a fabric material. The three flexible wallsections 3 possess mutually, two vertical edges 4, which, in the finalpackaging device, assume a cubic shape of predetermined dimensions. Thevertical edges 4 can be reinforced by wire cables and/or fabric bands.Such reinforcement enables the invented packaging device to retain itsrequired shape under shipping conditions. Alternatively, oradditionally, it is possible that the edges 4, or the corners of theouter wall 1 be diagonally reinforced and interconnectedly strengthenedwith wire cables and/or fabric bands.

In the version shown in FIG. 1, a solid top 5, described as upper wall5, is attached to the upper edges of the flexible wall sections 3. Thistop 5, serves as an upper space limit for an invented packaging device.In a manner similar to the bottom 2, this top 5 is securely bound to thetop edges of three, flexible wall sections 3. Such a bonding between asolid top and a flexible wall section can be carried out in many ways.Some of these ways could be, for example, stitching, adhering, staplingor the like. Further discussion of this connection need not be madehere.

In the packaging device version shown in FIG. 1, an additional flexiblewall section 6 is firmly secured on an edge of the described solid top5. This flexible wall possesses on its edges, three quick closures 7.These are respectively matched with three complementary receivers 8 onthe outside of the adjacent flexible walls, whereby the closures can bebrought into, and released from, fully lock-in connections. Additionallyit is possible that on the edges of the wall sections overlapping flapsare present in order to bind the walls or to reinforce an alreadyinstalled corner connection. By means of this combination of quickclosures 7 and receivers 8 the additional flexible wall section 6 can beopened or closed and thereby interior space is made easily accessiblewithin the outer wall 1. As already mentioned, in the case of thisspecial version of the invention a solid top 5 is provided. This top 5,in the case of additional (not shown) versions of the invention, can beeliminated to allow the interior of the outer wall 1 to become directlyaccessible from above. In this not shown version, the front flap typeopening 6 obviously becomes unnecessary. Similarly, an inventedpackaging device can be made, which is open at the top and has four sidewall sections, one of which, however, remains closable/releasable.

In FIG. 2, a version of an invented auxiliary shell 10 is shown. In thecase of this auxiliary shell 10, the construction concerns a type oftubular foil encasement, which as shown in FIG. 2, consists of four wallsections 11, which are hinged together. The outside dimensions of thesewall sections are of such a nature, that they at least correspond to theinner dimensioning of the outside wall 1. Advantageously, the wallsections 11 of the auxiliary shell 10 are bound together by means ofcross-ties 12. This binding is such that it brings the auxiliary shell10 into dimensioning which corresponds to the predetermined size of theinterior of the outer wall 1. At one end of the auxiliary shell 10 is aconnection 13, which carries out the functions of a feed/release tube.By means of this connection 13, for example, the auxiliary shell 10 canbe inflated with, for instance, compressed air. Obviously, an inflatedauxiliary shell 10 can be deflated by the same device.

The auxiliary shell 10 additionally possesses fasteners 14. Thesefasteners 14 are located on those sides of the enclosing auxiliary shellwall 11 which, after the placement of the auxiliary shell 10 therein,are to be secured onto the inside surface of the surrounding outer wall1. From FIG. 2 one can infer, that the most forward shell wall 11 has nofastening means 14. Accordingly, this said forward wall 11 can be swungaway (or back) so that the interior of the auxiliary shell is accessiblefor loading or unloading. This last mentioned wall 11, which is free offasteners 14, is equipped on its front vertical edge with quick closureelements 17. These quick closing elements 17 correspond, for example, tothe quick closing elements 7 already described and explained as quickclosing elements 7 in the description relative to FIG. 1. Obviously,these closure means lock into complementary receivers when the abovedescribed outwardly swingable wall 11 closes. Likewise, it is possiblethat the quick closure elements 17 can also consist of adhesively coatedflaps.

At this point of the description, the reader should be aware, that thevertical length in the drawn presentation of the auxiliary shell 10 inFIG. 2 can be greater in extent than the vertical length of thecorresponding outer wall 1. The inflation of the auxiliary shell 10,following its insertion in the outer wall 1, can lead to a situation,wherein the entire auxiliary shell 10 in its upper area, presses againstthe upper wall 1. When this occurs, the flexible sections 3 of the outerwall 1 stiffen and are drawn into a desired external shape.Additionally, because of the obstruction furnished by the top 5, theauxiliary shell 10 in the interior of the outer wall 1 is forceddownward, which displacement reinforces the positioning of the loadedobjects to be shipped.

FIGS. 3 and 4 demonstrate another version of corresponding auxiliaryshells 10′ and 10″. These figures indicate that the auxiliary shells10′, 10″, in the illustrated case, consist of a multiplicity of aircompartments, namely 18′ and 18″ and 18′″.

In FIG. 3 these air compartments are presented in two different sizes,whereby the smaller air compartments 18″ would form corner areas as wellas edge zones after they were installed against the outer wall 1.Especially to be noted in FIG. 3, are the larger volume air compartments18′, wherein their expansion upon inflation is such that it extendsitself toward the inner surface of the outer wall 1 whilesimultaneously, a different expansion thereof (i.e., not the same) takesplace in a direction away from this inner surface and toward theinterior. This said expansion difference is caused when the largecompartment 18′ is installed, in that the surface area of the aircompartment 18′, which is to contact the inner surface of the outer wall1 is provided with an increased wall thickness. Correspondingly, theoppositely directed surface area of the air compartment 18′, which isoriented toward the interior, would have a thinner wall thickness. Uponthe inflation of the air compartment 18′, as seen in FIG. 3, then, dueto the said thinner wall thickness, that surface area of the aircompartment 18′ expands to the extent, that it clamps the shippedobjects in the interior and affixes them in a desired position.Likewise, a surface of a respective air compartment facing the interiorcan be greater in area (hence thinner) than its surface facing the outerwall 1. In this case the inflating air compartment bulges away from theouter wall 1.

In any case, inflated individual air compartments 18′, 18″, 18′″, definethe shape of the outer wall 1 as seen in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4.Consequently, the outer wall 1 assumes for itself, such outer shapes asmay be dictated by the inflated auxiliary shell 10′ and 10″.

FIG. 5 shows the outer wall 1 in its fully opened state. Schematically,with wavy lines, the auxiliary shell 10 is indicated as being placedwithin the inner surface of the outer wall 1. Similarly, the flexiblewall section 3 is shown. As has already been mentioned it is possiblethat the auxiliary shell 10 can, in some instances, be an integralcomponent of the corresponding outer wall 1. Additionally, the bottom 2is made evident and the top 5, or possibly another firm topping could beshown, padded in accord with need. In FIG. 5, the objects 20 to betransported or to be stored, are shown arranged on the pallet typebottom 2. In accord with the shape of the assembled objects, first, theflexible wall section 3 which is attached to the bottom 2, second, thesolid top 5, and third, the flexible wall section 6, which is attachedto the top 5, are wrapped about the said arrangement of objects 20. Ifthe auxiliary shell 10, in this opened condition of FIG. 5 is not yetalready integrally attached to the inner surface of the outer wall 1,the possibility exists, with this opened layout of FIG. 5, that theauxiliary shell 10, corresponding to the shapes as seen in FIGS. 2 to 4,is caused to encapsulate the stacked objects 20. Thereafter, the wallsections 3, and top 5 encase the auxiliary shell 10 and the objects 20.

In accord with the above, the appearance of the objects 20, which arenow inside the packaging, is shown in perspective in FIG. 6. To assureclarity of the presentation, however, the flexible front wall 6, hingedat its top, is thrown back over the top 5. The now exposed front section11 of the auxiliary shell 10 is swung out to the side. This arrangementof the drawing is to clarify the accessibility of the invented packagingdevice. The so opened front section 11 of the auxiliary shell 10 canthen be closed and made secure by locking-in the quick closure elements17. Subsequently, the flexible wall section 6, as seen in FIG. 6, isbrought down and likewise made tight. The packaging device, with theseclosures, is now ready to take on the appearance as is shown in FIG. 7.

In this now closed state of the packaging device, the auxiliary shell 10therewithin is inflated by means of the externally protruding airconnection 13. The outer wall 1, which up to now has been draped overthe objects 20 to be shipped, forms itself into the desired cubicalshape as seen in FIG. 7 by means of the force of the inflation of theinterior auxiliary shell 10, 10′, 10″.

If the objects 20 are to be removed at the point of destination, thefirst operation of the receiver would be to open the packaging device byunlatching and throwing back the top hinged outer section 6 of the outerwall 1. If the design is such, that the auxiliary shell is integrally acomponent of the outer wall 1, then the inflating medium can simply bereleased through its connection. If, conversely, in the case of aseparate auxiliary shell 10, 10′, 10″, which has been inflated to a sizeto match the contours of the objects 20, then, instead of a releasing ofthe inflating medium, the release can be effected by simply makingpenetrating openings in the auxiliary shell unit 10. 10′, 10″ wherebythe therein contained medium finds an easy outlet. If this be done, thenfor future use of the auxiliary shell, a new auxiliary shell 10, 10′,10″ must be provided and installed in the above described manner.

After the auxiliary shell 10 has been deflated, the outer wall 1,including the deflated shell 10, and following a outlay of the packagingdevice in accord with FIG. 5, the spread-out wall sections can be foldedtogether. This fold-up, which may be termed a “ready to returncondition” is shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows that the quick fasteningelements can serve the purpose of holding together the non-hinged wallsections. It is obvious, that the optimal, space saving arrangement ofthe outer wall 1, as shown in FIG. 8, offer an essential advantage ofthe invented packaging device for empty shipment. The packaging devicein the folded state as seen in FIG. 8 is hardly greater in extent thanthe solid bottom 2 with the thereupon secured upper walls 5. Theeconomic, environmentally technological, and manipulative advantages,indicate an enormous improvement over the present state of thetechnology.

1. A packaging device for transport and/or storage of stackable objectsin its interior, wherein said packing device possesses an outer wallwith at least one rigid bottom for the arrangement of the objects to betransported and/or stored and has, at least in part, additional wallsections having inner surfaces which encompass the said objects, as wellas an inflatable auxiliary shell, which serves, by enveloping for thepositional affixing of the arranged objects in the interior of thepackaging device, therein characterized, in that the additional wallsections are, to a certain extent, predominately flat, flexible wallsections and in that the auxiliary shell is so constructed, that itreinforces the inner surface of the outer additional wall sections, atleast in part, in retaining a predetermined condition of the packagingdevice as specified for transport and/or for storage and said auxiliaryshell essentially contributes to the shape of the final packagingdevice. 2.-20. (canceled)
 21. A packaging device in accord with claim 1,therein characterized, in that an additional top can be solid, which topin the transport or storage state of the packaging device liesoppositely remote from the bottom.
 22. A packaging device in accord withclaim 1, therein characterized, in that that the additional wallsections consist of a flexible material.
 23. A packaging device inaccord with claim 1, therein characterized, in that at least one of theadditional wall sections of the outer wall is at least partiallyreleasable from the other additional wall sections whereby the interiorof the packaging device is made accessible.
 24. A packaging device inaccord with claim 23, therein characterized, in that the at leastpartially releasable wall section possesses quick closing elements whichholdingly unite with complementary receiving elements on an adjacentadditional wall section.
 25. A packaging device in accord with claim 1,therein characterized, in that the intersections of the additional wallsections are reinforced with strengthening elements.
 26. A packagingdevice in accord with claim 1, therein characterized, in that theauxiliary shell at the least, is a separate entity from the outer wall.27. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein characterized, inthat the auxiliary shell is dimensioned in such a manner, that in itsinflated state, the auxiliary shell represents the shape of the interiorof the outer wall and positionally affixes the objects which have beenplaced within the interior for transport and/or storage.
 28. A packagingdevice in accord with claim 1 therein characterized, in that theauxiliary shell in its inflated state is of a height which is at leastequal to that of the outer wall when the packaging device is incondition for transport and/or storage.
 29. A packaging device in accordwith claim 1, therein characterized, in that the auxiliary shell in itsinflated state has a length at least equal to the inside perimeter ofthe outer wall.
 30. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, thereincharacterized, in that the auxiliary shell is a tubular foil encasementhaving different wall thicknesses.
 31. A packaging device in accord withclaim 1, therein characterized, in that the auxiliary shell is a tubularfoil chamber having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface of whichis greater in thickness than that of the outer surface.
 32. A packagingdevice in accord with claim 1, therein characterized, in that theauxiliary shell consists of individual air chambers that define aninterior for receiving objects for transport and/or storage.
 33. Apackaging device in accord with claim 32, therein characterized in thatthe air chambers have volumes of different sizes.
 34. A packaging devicein accord with claim 33, therein characterized in that, the air chambersare subdivided by cross ties.
 35. A packaging device in accord withclaim 1, therein characterized, in that the auxiliary shell comprisesfasteners to enable securement of the auxiliary shell against the outerwall.
 36. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, thereincharacterized, in that the auxiliary shell possesses a connectorextending outside of the outer wall whereby the auxiliary shell can beinflated or deflated from the outside of the packaging device throughsaid connector.
 37. A packaging device in accord with claim 23, thereincharacterized, in that the auxiliary shell is so arranged within theouter wall that upon the at least partial release of the at least oneadditional wall section, a section of the auxiliary shell which liestherebehind, is openable for further access into the interior of thepacking device.
 38. A packaging device in accord with claim 24, thereincharacterized, in that quick closure elements are so located, that arefolded, collapsed packaging device can be secured thereby.
 39. Amethod of transporting or storing objects in a packaging device of thetype having a rigid bottom, an outer wall defining an interior of thedevice and comprising flexible wall portions, and an auxiliaryinflatable shell, the method comprising the steps of: opening the outerwall of the packing device; placing the shell in the interior of thedevice and, if required, attaching the auxiliary shell against an innersurface of the outer wall, the shell at least partially surrounding aninterior volume of the packing device; placing objects to be transportedthrough the opening and placing the objects upon the rigid bottom andwithin the said interior volume; loosely draping the flexible wallportions over the shell and the objects; inflating the auxiliary shelluntil the outer wall has assumed a proper shape for transport and/orstorage and the objects on the bottom are affixed in position in thepackaging device by the pressure exerted by the inflated auxiliary shellagainst the objects.